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European Journal of Applied Physiology

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01-12-2015 | Original Article

The effect of motor–respiratory coordination on the precision of tracking movements: influence of attention, task complexity and training

Authors: Viktoria Krupnik, Ingo Nietzold, Bengt Bartsch, Beate Rassler

Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology | Issue 12/2015

Abstract

Purpose

We investigated motor–respiratory coordination (MRC) in visually guided forearm tracking movements focusing on two main questions: (1) Does attentional demand, training or complexity of the tracking task have an effect on the degree of MRC? (2) Does MRC impair the precision of those movements? We hypothesized that (1) enhanced attention to the tracking task and training increase the degree of MRC while higher task complexity would reduce it, and (2) MRC impairs tracking precision.

Methods

Thirty-five volunteers performed eight tracking trials with several conditions: positive (direct) signal–response relation (SRR), negative (inverse) SRR to increase task complexity, specific instruction for enhanced attention to maximize tracking precision (“strict” instruction), and specific instruction that tracking precision would not be evaluated (“relaxed” instruction). The trials with positive and negative SRR were performed three times each to study training effects.

Results

While the degree of MRC remained in the same range throughout all experimental conditions, a switch in phase-coupling pattern was observed. In conditions with positive SRR or with relaxed instruction, we found one preferred phase relationship per period. With higher task complexity (negative SRR) or increased attentional demand (strict instruction), a tighter coupling pattern with two preferred phase relationships per period was adopted. Our main result was that MRC improved tracking precision in all conditions except for that with relaxed instruction. Reduction of amplitude errors mainly contributed to this precision improvement.

Conclusion

These results suggest that attention devoted to a precision movement intensifies its phase coupling with breathing and enhances MRC-related improvement of tracking precision.

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Title: The effect of motor–respiratory coordination on the precision of tracking movements: influence of attention, task complexity and training
Authors: Viktoria Krupnik
Ingo Nietzold
Bengt Bartsch
Beate Rassler
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Journal of Applied Physiology / Issue 12/2015
Print ISSN: 1439-6319
Electronic ISSN: 1439-6327
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-015-3250-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

The effect of motor–respiratory coordination on the precision of tracking movements: influence of attention, task complexity and training

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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